Soon, all-EV fleet at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary to supply essentials to maintain ‘safe environment for animals'

Indian Express

26-04-2025

The Delhi government is planning to replace all existing petrol, diesel, and CNG vehicles —such as trucks, jeeps, cars, motorcycles, and utility vehicles —that are currently used for supplying food, water, and other essentials at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, with electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes in the wake of the observation that animals are in distress due to pollution.
Delhi Forest and Wildlife Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday said, 'There are about a hundred vehicles, including trucks and jeeps, being used in the wildlife sanctuary for the supply of food and water, as well as for other purposes. These vehicles are used for official purposes only, but we have observed that petrol and diesel vehicles negatively affect the environment and disturb the animals here.'
'Trucks and jeeps also create noise and vehicular pollution, which distresses the animals. There are a good number of leopards, deer, reptiles, and butterflies here, all of which roam freely. However, when they hear any noise, they either hide or lie down. To create a safer and more pleasant environment for both animals and visitors, and to boost tourism, the government plans to replace such vehicles with EVs,' he added.
The Minister underlined that he has directed the officials concerned in the Forest and Wildlife Department to propose an EV fleet and develop charging stations within the next six months. 'The department also plans to hire e-golf carts and e-cycles for visitors. About 9-10 carts have already arrived and will soon be available for public use. We have also observed that e-trucks are available. Soon, the department will begin hiring e-vehicles,' said the Minister.
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South East Delhi, covers an area of 32 square kilometers, and sees tourist activities, such as birdwatching, nature walks, and Neeli Jheel drives.
Under the birdwatching trail, there are the Blue Bull Trail (5 km), Sandgrouse Trail (3.5 km), Sparrow Trail (2.5 km), and Palash Trail (2 km). Commonly seen birds include Peafowl, Common Woodshrike, Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Scops Owl, Black Eagles, and Oriental Scops Owl.
The nature walk starts from the Tughlakabad Gate, which covers Butterfly Park (4 acres), Aravalli Forest Centre (4 acres), and a Jungle Walk (1.5 km).
According to officials, the sanctuary is home to over 25 mammals, 240 reptiles, 86 butterfly species, 250 birds, and 15 species of dragonflies. Neelgai, golden jackals, mongooses, and spotted deer are among the animals found here.